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Training camp is underway for the Utah Jazz! Preseason games start next week and then we’re off to the races (probably toward the lottery). But before everything begins in earnest, there’s a question that needs answering.
Who will be the Jazz’s starting point guard?
Last season started out with Collin Sexton and Keyonte George sharing the backcourt duties, but by January, Isaiah Collier had stepped in as the starting point guard. The problem is that Collier kind of became the starting point guard by default because he’s the most point-guard-esque player on the roster.
Collier definitely has some passing and speed talent that is unique, but his game isn’t without its flaws. He finished the season shooting just 24.9% from 3-point range, which is less than ideal for a point guard, and his defense left a lot to be desired. So, it’s not like he’s got the job in the bag.
And if you ask rookie Walter Clayton Jr. (which I did) he’ll say that he thinks he’s here to compete for a starting role.
“For sure, I think everybody on the team can say that,” Clayton said. “If you’re not doing that, then why are you really here?”
Clayton Jr. showed some major chops at the college level, shooting 38.6% from deep across four seasons. He also led the Florida Gators to an NCAA title and notably had one of the most important defensive sequences at the end of the championship game.
No job is safe on this Jazz team, no position has been solidified and everyone should be feeling that heat. But the point guard spot is incredibly important. That’s the player that sets the table for everyone else on the court and an effective point guard can mean better performances across the roster.
For the sake of fairness, I’ll also say that Collier mentioned doing a lot of work on his shot this summer and feeling excited about everyone seeing how much he’s improved. But the clock is officially ticking and Clayton is not going to wait to start knocking on that door.
New with the Jazz
From the archives
Extra points
- Walker Kessler frustrated by lack of contract extension with the Jazz (Deseret News)
- Jazz brass share positive news regarding Taylor Hendricks (Deseret News)
- The Jazz solution to youth vs. veterans: Make every player fight for his place (Deseret News)
- Kevin Love’s Utah ties run deep (Deseret News)
Around the league
- Warriors-Jonathan Kuminga standoff is over.
- Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford is out for 2-3 weeks with ankle sprain.
- Nikola Jokic says the “plan is to be a Nugget forever.”
Up Next: Preseason
- Oct. 8 | 6 p.m. MST | Utah Jazz @ Houston Rockets | KJZZ
- Oct. 10 | 6 p.m. MST | Utah Jazz @ San Antonio Spurs | KJZZ
- Oct. 13 | 7 p.m. MST | Utah Jazz vs. Dallas Mavericks | KJZZ
- Oct. 16 | 7 p.m. MST | Utah Jazz vs. Portland Trail Blazers | KJZZ